On Wednesday, Sporting president Bruno de Carvalho made a post on Facebook to praise three of the club’s biggest stars: Rui Patrício, Adrién Silva and William Carvalho.
The official wrote: “Our captains! Three champions! Three of the best in the world in their positions! All wanted them, but they are ours! Adrien, Rui and William, it’s a pleasure to watch you play and a big pride in representing our Sporting Clube de Portugal.”
Portuguese newspaper A Bola took it as a clear response to all the approaches that these players received from English clubs during the transfer window.
Rui Patrício was much linked to Everton and Manchester City, although none of the clubs made official bids. William Carvalho reportedly had an offer from West Brom rejected. And Adrien Silva, as made public by his own club, had his move to Leicester City blocked.
Although Carvalho overreacts sometimes, it can’t be denied he’s completely committed to what he thinks is the best for Sporting. The president always fights until the end before selling their best players, and is now obviously very proud of those who stayed after a tiring transfer window.
